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Local group backs respite bill
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Posted on Aug 17 2004
The CNMI Association of Families with Disabilities is calling on the Senate to immediately pass a bill that seeks to provide respite services to people with disabilities.
“We fully endorse House Bill 14-9 and seek the utmost support of your committee and the rest of the members of the Senate for its immediate passage,” said the group headed by president Lisa A. Aldan.
She said that, if passed by the Senate and signed into law, the measure will no doubt provide a positive impact and much needed relief to hundreds of families who, for many years, provide direct support to their children or adults with the most chronic developmental disabilities.
“Establishing a system of respite care services in the CNMI has been long overdue,” said Aldan.
Respite care services is not only a temporary relief but a long-term care program that allows a caregiver to take a break and be able to attend other equally important personal matters such as attending a meeting, going shopping, going to church, relaxing at a park, spending quality time with other siblings or even for a short vacation.
In the CNMI, a majority—if not all—children and adults with developmental disabilities—live at home with their own families or extended families. Respite, if available, will prevent the CNMI from building institutions for persons with developmental disabilities.
The proposal aims to designate the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities as the program administrator.
Under the bill, the council would regulate and sub-grant the voucher system and respite care services to qualified community-based organizations. It would allow families to receive financial assistance and other support.
The program lists seven R.E.S.P.I.T.E. benefits: relaxation, enjoyment, stability, preservation, involvement, time off, and enrichment.
“As caretakers for our children with developmental disabilities, respite care will give us the gift of time. The end result, if such support is made available to families, will be unimaginable,” said Aldan’s group.
The association is a private, non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of families of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
